Amsterdam vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~22% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Amsterdam
Netherlands
COL+Rent
65.5
Rent Index
52.2
Groceries
65.4
Restaurant
73.1
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Amsterdam | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,318 | $1,449 | +$869 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,822 | $1,139 | +$683 |
| Groceries | $374 | $339 | +$35 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $17 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $109 | $93 | +$16 |
| Utilities | $210 | $103 | +$107 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Amsterdam | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,491/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $3,341/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,094/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Amsterdam | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,168/mo | -$332 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,557/mo | -$443 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,336/mo | -$664 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Amsterdam vs Stockholm for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 22% more affordable than Amsterdam when combining rent and daily living costs. Amsterdam's COL+Rent Index of 65.5 vs Stockholm's 51 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Amsterdam costs $2,318/month versus $1,449/month in Stockholm — giving Stockholm a $869/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $10,428 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Amsterdam ($374/mo) vs Stockholm ($339/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $17 show Stockholm offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Stockholm offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,239 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.