Cost of Living in Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden · Europe
$3,000
Monthly Cost
avg/person
82
Cost Index
NYC=100
78
Rent Index
NYC=100
90
Quality of Life
Excellent
78
Safety Index
Good
0.9M
Population
SEK
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $16 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $70 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $7 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7 |
| Cappuccino | $5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $3 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $2.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $9 |
| Beef (1kg) | $14 |
| Apples (1kg) | $3 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $3 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.5 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $4 |
| Monthly Pass | $100 |
| Taxi 1km | $3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $2 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $32000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $26000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $160 |
| Mobile Plan | $22 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $50 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,800/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,200/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,200/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $10,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $7,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $3500 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4.5% |
Cost of Living in Stockholm — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Stockholm, Sweden is approximately $3,000 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Stockholm has a cost index of 82, making it around 18% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Stockholm costs around $1,200/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,800/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,500/month. The rent index is 78 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Stockholm scores 90/100 on the quality of life index and 78/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 90/100. The climate index is 45/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Stockholm is approximately $3,500/month. With a purchasing power index of 85/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is SEK, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Stockholm
The average monthly salary in Stockholm is approximately $3,500. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,000, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 85/100.
Healthcare Costs in Stockholm
Healthcare quality in Stockholm is rated 90/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Stockholm
Stockholm has a quality of life score of 90/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Stockholm
Students living in Stockholm should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Stockholm
Expats moving to Stockholm often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Stockholm, Sweden is approximately $3,000 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 82 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Stockholm
Living in Stockholm offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 82 and a quality of life score of 90/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $3,500 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Stockholm provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Sweden and around the world.
Key Facts About Stockholm
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,000
- Cost Index: 82
- Rent Index: 78
- Average Salary: $3,500
- Quality of Life: 90/100
- Safety Score: 78/100
- Country: Sweden
- Currency: SEK
Is Stockholm Expensive?
Stockholm has a cost index of 82 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Stockholm compare to other cities?
Stockholm is located in Europe with a population of approximately 0.9M. At a cost index of 82 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Stockholm stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Stockholm?
The average cost of living in Stockholm, Sweden is approximately $3,000 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 82 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Stockholm?
Rent in Stockholm varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 78 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Stockholm alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Stockholm expensive to live in?
Stockholm has a cost index of 82 compared to New York City (100). At 82, Stockholm is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,000.
What is the quality of life in Stockholm?
Stockholm has a quality of life index of 90/100 and a safety index of 78/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Stockholm compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Stockholm with any city worldwide. Stockholm's cost index is 82 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Stockholm?
Many residents live comfortably in Stockholm with a monthly budget of around $3,000 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Stockholm good for expats?
Stockholm is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Stockholm?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Stockholm.
Is Stockholm cheaper than New York?
Yes, Stockholm has a cost index of 82 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Stockholm?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Stockholm.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Stockholm
Cheapest Ways to Live in Stockholm
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Stockholm typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,200/month compared to $1,800/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Stockholm, Sweden.
Is Stockholm Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 85/100 and a quality of life score of 90/100, Stockholm is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 82 relative to New York City, Stockholm remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Sweden has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Stockholm Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Stockholm", "Stockholm monthly expenses 2026", and "is Stockholm affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,000, a safety score of 78/100, and healthcare rated 90/100, Stockholm offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Sweden.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026
