Calgary vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Calgary is ~6% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Calgary | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,481 | $1,449 | +$32 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,178 | $1,139 | +$39 |
| Groceries | $353 | $339 | +$14 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $17 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $79 | $93 | $14 |
| Utilities | $137 | $103 | +$34 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Calgary | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,717/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $2,335/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,913/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Calgary | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,604/mo | +$104 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,138/mo | +$138 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,208/mo | +$208 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Calgary vs Stockholm for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Calgary is approximately 6% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Calgary's COL+Rent Index of 47.7 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 Calgary costs $1,481/month versus $1,449/month in Stockholm — giving Stockholm a $32/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Calgary ($353/mo) vs Stockholm ($339/mo) reflect Stockholm's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $17 show Calgary 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, Calgary offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,335 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.