Brisbane vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Stockholm is ~6% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Brisbane
Australia
COL+Rent
54
Rent Index
38.3
Groceries
71.7
Restaurant
61.4
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brisbane | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,702 | $1,449 | +$253 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,270 | $1,139 | +$131 |
| Groceries | $399 | $339 | +$60 |
| Restaurant Meal | $21 | $17 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $94 | $93 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $141 | $103 | +$38 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brisbane | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,868/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $2,651/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,301/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brisbane | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,417/mo | -$83 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,889/mo | -$111 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,833/mo | -$167 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Brisbane vs Stockholm for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Stockholm is approximately 6% more affordable than Brisbane when combining rent and daily living costs. Brisbane's COL+Rent Index of 54 vs Stockholm's 51 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Brisbane costs $1,702/month versus $1,449/month in Stockholm — giving Stockholm a $253/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,036 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Brisbane ($399/mo) vs Stockholm ($339/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $21 vs $17 show Brisbane is the better value for dining out. 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.